Method and apparatus for non-thermal nail, foot, and hand fungus treatment

ABSTRACT

A method and device for treating an infection of the nail or nail bed and adjacent tissues through non-thermal means is described. The device illuminates an area with light in the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Preferably, light having wavelengths of from about 870 nm to about 930 nm will be used. Further, the device includes light emitting diodes that are capable of emitting ultraviolet light. These lights are intended to provide a sterile environment for a user using the apparatus.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims the priority of U.S. Application 62/004,423filed on May 29, 2014, the contents of which are herein incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention and its embodiments relates to a method andapparatus for treating fungal infections of the nail, nail bed, andadjacent tissues through non-thermal mechanisms, namely exposing theareas to light of particular wavelengths for an extended period of time.In particular, the illuminating light will be from the near-infraredregion (NIR) of the electromagnetic spectrum as well as light from theultraviolet (UV) region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The nails of many animals, including humans, are an excellent place forparasites, fungi, and other organisms to thrive. Nails provide anexcellent place for these organisms to live because these organisms canbe difficult to remove due to the difficulty and pain involved withremoving said organisms from these areas. Of the aforementionedorganisms, many types of fungi thrive particularly well in theseenvironments. One such fungus is Trichophyton rubrum (“T. rubrum”)—themost common cause of athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm.

Further, T. rubrum accounts for approximately 80% of cases ofonychomycosis, a chronic condition caused by infection of a person'snail and nail bed. Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the toenailsor fingernails that may involve any component of the nail unit,including the matrix, bed, or plate. Onychomycosis can cause pain,discomfort, and disfigurement in the nail and nail bed. Further, it mayproduce serious physical and occupational limitations, as well asreducing quality of life. In extreme cases, such as infections inpatients with diabetes, onychomycosis can result in the loss of a digit.

Today, there are various estimates as to the prevalence ofonychomycosis, but in the western world infection rates of up to 18% ofthe adult population have been cited. For people over age 60, theprevalence is 30% and the prevalence rate of onychomycosis is thought tobe even higher in people with diabetes. As these ailments still afflicta large percentage of the world's population, logic dictates that evenwith modern technology, the field of nail fungus treatment leaves roomfor improvement.

One method for treating nail fungus is the use of topical agents.Throughout the history of onychomycosis and other nail and nail bedinfections, many people have stated a preference for this type oftreatment. These techniques do have some positive effect ononychomycosis; however topical agents are unable to penetrate thehyperkeratotic nail plate, which renders them incapable of fullyeliminating a serious infection. Treatment using nail avulsion incombination with topical therapy has been somewhat more successful thantopical ointment alone, but this approach can be time-consuming,temporarily disabling, and painful. Ciclopirox (Penlac) is an example ofa topical agent, which is applied as a liquid or as a lacquer on thenail, for the treatment of mild to moderate onychomycosis caused by T.rubrum without involvement of the lunula. Although safe and relativelyinexpensive, ciclopirox therapy is seldom effective. Newer topicalagents include terbinafine (Lamisil®), itraconazole (Sporanox®), andfluconazole (Diflucan®). Terbinafine and itraconazole therapies arewidely accepted while fluconazole is rapidly gaining acceptance in themarket as topical and oral agents.

These new medications share characteristics that enhance theireffectiveness: prompt penetration of the nail and nail bed, persistencein the nail for months after discontinuation of therapy and generallygood safety profiles. Although published studies indicate good efficacyfor these treatments, particularly with the oral forms of these agentswhen used to treat onychomycosis, the length of the treatments is equalto the time it takes for the nail to grow out, which is typically 4-9months. Further, the associated side effects of these new drugs makethem very unattractive for many potential users.

These pharmaceutical compounds exert their effect by inhibiting andhalting the growth of the causative fungal organisms. While this methodhas also proved effective, ingesting these pharmaceutical compounds hasproven to be toxic to a user's liver, and frequently results inexpensive and burdensome monitoring of a patient's blood chemistry.

Current systems that are used to treat such nail fungi often employeither Class 3R or Class 4R lasers. One such laser is a Nd:YAG laserwhich produces burst of short pulses of laser light at 1064 nm. Thesebursts of light raise the temperature of the fungal hyphae, throughselective absorption, the main mode of vegetative growth for fungi. If atemperature of 65° C. (149° F.) is maintained for 7 seconds, this issufficient to denature the proteins of the fungi and cause permanentdamage to the fungi. The light absorption is selective, which means thatthe temperature of the nail bed does not exceed 45° C. (113° F.) duringthe treatment and causes no damage to healthy tissue. These systems arehighly effective at removing the fungi, however, they often cause painto the receiver of the treatment. This pain is caused by the body of thereceiver of treatment absorbing a large percentage of the laser's light,resulting in an increase in temperature which leads to pain. This meansthat whenever a patient wants to get their nail fungus removed vialaser, they will have to experience great pain.

Thus, there is a need for a method and apparatus for an effectivetreatment of nail fungi that does not cause the user pain, does notsubject the user to any potential harm, and does not result in the userincurring any undue expense.

There have been developments in anti-fungal treatments using Low LevelLaser Therapy (“LLLT”). The attraction of this type of device is theinherent safety of the wavelengths in the near infrared and the lowlevels of energy and consequently lower temperatures used in thetreatment. In addition, unlike Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), there is norequirement for a photosensitising agent. PDT has been proposed by manyas a possible treatment for onychomycosis, but getting thephotosensitising agent through the nail into the nail bed poses asignificant challenge. The process of photodamage to the fungal hyphaeusing LLLT is a very complex one and not entirely understood, althoughthere is clinical evidence to support its use. In a 1999 study byNeuman, it was discovered that two peaks at 870 nm and 930 nm in causedsignificant photodamage to E. coli. See Neuman et al., Characterizationof Photodamage to Escherichia coli in Optical Traps, Biophysical Journal77, November 1999.

Since then, the most notable development in this field is the Noveonlaser produced by Nomir Technologies, Incorporated. The Noveon is alaser diode system which operates at two wavelengths—870 nm and930nm—both of which have been shown to demonstrate anti-fungalproperties. Several studies have been carried out, the most significantbeing by Landsman. There, a 180-day study of the effects of theseswavelengths on the treatment of onychomycosis. See Landsman, et al.Treatment of Mild, Moderate, and Severe Onychomycosis Using 870- and930-nm Light Exposure, Journal of the American Podiatric MedicalAssociation, 100(3), May/June 2010. A subsequent 270-day follow up wasalso carried out. These studies demonstrated the selectiveness of thesewavelengths to negatively affect only fungi and bacteria, not mammaliancells. The claimed embodiments are directed towards a method andapparatus capable of exploiting these phenomena to provide a safe andeffective way to cure onychomycosis.

Review of Related Technology:

United States Patent Application Publication Number 2012/0283622pertains to a dermatological treatment device primarily suitable fortreating nail fungus. This publication discloses the use of aphotochemically active substance, effectively controlling the fungus byirradiating it with light at a wavelength that has no ancillary effectson the patient's health. It is possible to use either a gas dischargelamp or light emitting diodes as an appropriate light source for theclaimed method and apparatus. Preferably, a transparent shoe-shapedoptical shielding housing that absorbs short-wave light is used.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,306,620 pertains to a method for the prevention andtreatment of microbial infections that occur on, or just below, the skinand nails of a person. The treatment consists of irradiating an area ofthe skin and nails for a period of time long enough to kill theorganisms causing the infection. Additionally, some optional featuresincrease the safety of the treatment. These options achieve this byshielding non-infected areas from irradiation, and including a cover toprevent damage to sight which may result from viewing theelectromagnetic radiation.

United States Patent Application Publication Number 2005/0256552pertains to a battery-powered toenail fungus eradicator that can becomfortably worn while sleeping. Alternatively, this device can be worncontinuously.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,616,140 pertains to a method and apparatus fortherapeutic laser treatment. The apparatus comprises a portable,battery-operated, laser bandage having a plurality of hyper-red lightemitting diodes. This laser bandage may be worn by a patient and appliedto a specific treatment area. The patient may wear the device for up toa week in between visits to their prescribing physician. At the end ofthe prescribed treatment length, the physician may re-program the devicefor a different treatment regimen, if desired. Alternatively, thephysician may substitute the battery contained in the apparatus andcontinue said prescribed treatment regimen. The disclosed device issmall enough to be worn under clothes so that it will not interfere withthe patient's normal activities.

International Application WO2003/077996, published under the PatentCooperation Treaty, pertains to a device and method for treatment of theexternal surfaces of a body by utilizing a light-emitting container. Thedevice is comprised of a patch or bandage, applied on or adjacent to aspecific external surface of a human or animal body part. This devicethen delivers light of varying intensity, wavelengths, duration. Theexposure to this varying light is intended to treat fungi, among otherthings.

Review of Present Invention in Light of the Prior Art:

None of the art described above addresses all of the issues that thepresent invention does. The claimed invention includes a power source,at least one light emitting diode capable of generating light withwavelengths between about 800 nm and 980 nm, configurable printablecircuit boards, and a chamber with a digit-receiving area. Studies haveshown that flooding the treatment area with light having wavelengths ator about 870 nm and about 930 nm provides an adequate means fortreatment. Optionally, the chamber can be equipped with aninterchangeable bottom plate, and at least one additional light sourcecapable of generating ultraviolet light.

The present invention provides for more complete exposure of thetreatment area and adjacent tissues with NIR light than has previouslybeen contemplated. The present invention uses both light emitting diodescapable of producing NIR and ultraviolet light. No other device in theprior art contains both of these features. The combination of thesefeatures allows for multiple users to use the same device shortly aftereach other without compromising patient safety and while maintainingsanitary conditions within the chamber of the invention.

When compared with other devices of the same nature, the presentinvention provides a chamber containing an area capable of receiving auser's digits, allowing the area to be treated to be fully exposed tothe treating light emitted by both an array of light emitting diodes andthe ultraviolet light emitting diode(s). For instance, if a user wantedto treat an infection of T. rubrum, the fungus most often responsiblefor athlete's foot, the user would place the foot into the digitreceiving area of the invention. This user's foot would then be exposedto light from the array of light emitting diodes ranging from about 840nm to about 980 nm as well as a dose of ultraviolet light, optimally atabout 383 nm, which is used to primarily sterilize the device betweentreatments. Research from the University of Tokushima in Japan shows thesterilisation effects in both air and water at wavelengths of 365 nm and385 nm. This exposure will result in killing the fungus without causingthe user to feel any heat or discomfort. The fact that the userexperiences no discomfort is an improvement over the prior art whichgenerated an overabundance of heat in the user.

Another feature that differentiates the present invention is theconfiguration of the light emitting diodes. In a preferred embodiment,the light emitting diodes are arranged an array on the top of thechamber as well as embedded in posts to be inserted in between a user'sdigits. The posts are adjustable so that the distance between theseposts can be appropriately configured to optimally treat the user'sdigit. As the posts are adjusted, the light emitting diodes should beable to fully illuminate the treatment area of the user. Theseadjustable columns are a significant departure from the prior art.

Thus, the present invention solves a number of issues that other devicesin the field do not and as such it is novel and unique to the field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The claimed invention is a method and apparatus for treating andpreventing fungi from infecting a nail or nail bed through non-thermalmeans. The apparatus comprises: a power source, at least one lightemitting diode operatively connected to the power source, a chamber,having an inner surface, outer surface, and a digit-receiving area,wherein said digit-receiving area optionally contains a pitted grid onits bottom surface. The light emitting diode(s) emit(s) light with awavelength that ranges between about 840 nm and about 980 nm, and atleast one of said light emitting diodes is affixed to the chamber'sinner surface, in an orientation that allows the light emitting diode toilluminate the digit-receiving area when desired. Optimally, wavelengthsof about 870 nm and about 930 nm will be emitted. The apparatus may alsobe optionally configured to have a hinged top comprising the top of thechamber.

Further, a method for disease prevention and treatment, comprising firstplacing at least one digit inside an chamber, wherein said chamber hasan inner surface, outer surface, and a digit-receiving area wherein saidchamber has at least two light emitting diodes wherein the second lightemitting diode is capable of generating light with a wavelength of about383 nm is affixed to the inner surface of said chamber, wherein saiddigit-receiving area has a top and bottom surface; then powering thelight emitting diodes so that the light at wavelengths of about 870 nmand about 930 nm is generated; then allowing the digit to remain in thechamber for a first predetermined amount of time; and finally repeatingthe above steps for a predetermined amount of time.

Moreover, the claimed invention contemplates an embodiment where asterilization device comprises: a power source; at least one lightemitting diode operatively connected to said power source, wherein saidlight emitting diodes emit light at wavelengths between about 870 nm andabout 930 nm; a spine, having a, frontal and distal end; a plurality offingers, having a top and bottom surface and a frontal and distal end,wherein the finger's distal end is hingedly attached to said spine,wherein the at least one light emitting diode is attached to saidfinger; and a chamber having a top and bottom surface, and adigit-receiving area, wherein said digit-receiving area has at least abottom surface, wherein at least one light emitting diode is affixed tosaid chamber's inner surface, in an orientation that allows the lightemitting diode to illuminate the digit-receiving area when desired.

During the treatment, it is possible for the unit to become contaminatedwith fungus and therefore, if the unit is shared with others, crossinfection between users could occur, and/or the user could inadvertentlyrecontaminate previously treated digits. It has been demonstrated thatthe treatment using the combination of the two wavelengths has aninhibitory effect on the targeted fungi, which would suggest that anyresidual fungi left in the device after the treatment could be affectedby running the treatment cycle a second time (a ‘clean’ cycle) withoutthe user's digits being present.

It is an object of the invention to provide a treatment apparatus thatallows for treatment of fungus located on a user's nail or nail bed.

It is an object of the invention to provide a treatment apparatus thatallows for the treatment of fungus located on a user's digit.

It is an object of the invention to provide a treatment apparatus thatallows for the removal of fungi from a user's shoe.

It is an object of the invention to provide a treatment apparatus thatallows for the treatment of fungus located on a user's digit withoutgenerating excessive heat to the point where the user is caused pain.

It is an object of the invention to provide a treatment apparatus thatallows for the treatment of fungus located on a user's digit while beingadjustable so that the apparatus is optimized for a particular user.

It is an object of the invention to provide a treatment apparatus thatalso uses ultraviolet light emitting diodes to sterilize the chamberbetween users.

It is an object of the invention to provide a method utilizing theaforementioned treatment apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front-perspective view of one embodiment of the apparatus ofthe claimed invention.

FIG. 2 is a right-perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus ofthe claimed invention.

FIG. 3 is a front-perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus ofthe claimed invention with a hinged lid in the open position.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a cross section of an embodiment of theapparatus of the claimed invention, highlighting the internal electricalcomponents of the apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a front view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the claimedinvention while in use by a human user.

FIG. 6 is a flow-chart showing the steps of an embodiment of the methodof the claimed invention.

FIG. 7 is a top view of yet another embodiment of the claimed invention.

FIG. 8 is a top view of an embodiment of the invention showing how theembodiment contorts to allow for sterilization of a user's shoe.

FIG. 9 is a top view of another embodiment for exposing the heel of ashoe to near-IR and UV light.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a fully extended embodiment of the claimedinvention.

FIG. 11 is a side view of an embodiment of the claimed invention in acompressed position.

FIG. 12A is a plan view of another embodiment of the present inventionconfigured to receive a left oriented digit or group of digits.

FIG. 12B is a plan view of another embodiment of the present inventionconfigured to receive a centered or central oriented digit or group ofdigits.

FIG. 12C is a plan view of another embodiment of the present inventionconfigured to receive a right oriented digit or group of digits.

FIG. 13A is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13B is a back view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13C is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13D is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the lid raised and being detached from theremainder of the device body.

FIG. 15A is a side view of an embodiment of a digit spacing apparatus.

FIG. 15B is a top view of an embodiment of a digit spacing apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be describedwith reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the variousfigures are identified with the same reference numerals.

Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the presentinvention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of thepresent invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact,those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading thepresent specification and viewing the present drawings that variousmodifications and variations can be made thereto.

FIG. 1 shows the overall arrangement of one embodiment of the claimedinvention. The device 100 has an inner surface 140, an outer surface135, and is operatively connected to a power source 110. The deviceincludes an illumination chamber 105. In this embodiment, the top of theillumination chamber 105 is comprised of a hinged lid 130. Hinged lid130 can be lifted up to allow the device 100 to be serviced and theposts 115 to be adjusted. Power source 110, among other things, operatesthe light emitting diodes contained inside posts 115.

FIG. 2 shows the embodiment of the claimed invention shown in FIG. 1with the status light emitting diodes 155 being attached to outersurface 135. These status light emitting diodes 155 can indicate atleast whether the device is powered on, in a cleaning cycle, treatmentcycle, or ready for a treatment. The specific indication given by thestatus light emitting diodes 155 can be configured based on a givenmanufacturer's preference.

FIG. 3 shows another view of an embodiment of the present invention. Inthis embodiment, the hinged top 130 is in the open position, exposingthe inside of the illumination chamber 105. This view shows the wires180 used to operatively connect the light emitting diodes 175 to thepower source 110. Note that while this embodiment connects the posts 115to the power source 100 via wires 180, other embodiments exist whereposts 115 are connected wirelessly to the electrical systems of thedevice 100. This view also shows the digit receiving area 145, as wellas the pitted grid 120 that comprises the bottom of the digit receivingarea 145. The interchangeable plate 150 can also be seen from thisangle. The interchangeable plate comprises the entire bottom of theillumination chamber 105. This plate may be swapped out after a user hasfinished a treatment cycle. This can aid in the sterilization process ofthe device 100 or aid in the replacement of a damaged interchangeableplate 150.

In a preferred embodiment, the light emitting diodes 175 comprise pairsof light emitting diodes with a peak wavelengths of about 870 nm andabout 930 nm, viewing angles of ±10°, average powers of about 50 mW andabout 35 mW, and peak powers of about 500 mW and about 350 mW,respectively for each of the wavelengths. The normal continuousoperating current for these devices is approximately 100 mA, whichdelivers the average power output. In order to achieve the peak poweroutput, it is necessary to overdrive the current to approximately 10times the continuous level, which would be about 1.0 A peak. In order tostay within the safe operating area of the devices, this peak currentcan only be maintained for a maximum pulse width of 100 μs and theaverage power dissipation of the device must not be exceeded. In thisembodiment, after considering the energy dissipation and the averagesize of the digits to be treated, the diameter of the light emittingdiodes should be approximately 5.0 mm and the light emitting diodes areto be placed about 25.4 mm from the surface of the digit to be treated.

In another preferred embodiment, the array of light emitting diodes 175should be about 120 mm by about 34.5 mm. This array conveniently formstwenty rows of six light emitting diodes 175 or perhaps more usefully,ten double rows of six. While not explicitly shown in FIG. 3, the device100 may have light emitting diodes 175 capable of emitting UV lightincorporated into the array of light emitting diodes 175.

FIG. 4 illustrates the composition of one embodiment of the presentinvention. This is embodiment part of the power supply 110, atransformer 160 is shown. Further, two printable circuit boards 165 and170 are illustrated by FIG. 6. These printable circuit boards 165 and170 allow the device 100 to be controlled by a user. Printable circuitboards 165 and 170 can also be configured to include a memory and aprocessor capable of storing information on how to perform predeterminedtreatment cycles. For example, if a user is to receive two cycles of 10minutes of irradiation at about 870 nm and about 930 nm, this memory andprocessor would contain the steps needed to execute such a cycle. Thiswould allow a user to merely push one button to initiate theirprescribed treatment cycle.

In a preferred embodiment, the printable circuit boards comprise a powersupply board and a timer board. This would allow the apparatus of theclaimed invention to be powered off automatically after a predeterminedamount of time. The power supply board will provide a regulated 12V ofdirect current voltage for control circuitry and an unregulated 42V ofdirect current voltage supply for the power to the chains of lightemitting diodes, which will be regulated as shown previously withconstant current sources. Further, there will be a separate timer boardto provide the countdown timer and the pulsing on and off of the lightemitting diodes chains at a pulse width of 100 μs and frequency ofapproximately 615 Hz. With this system, the light emitting diodes 175current can be set with an analogue voltage which can be gated on andoff to give the pulse regulation. The overall direct current supplywould no longer need tight voltage regulation, reducing complexity andcost, as the current is set to a constant level by the control circuitryat the bottom of each chain, as shown below.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the transformer 160 has a twinprimary windings so that the transformer 160 can be configured for 115Vinput (USA) and 230V input (Europe). Here, the first printed circuitboard 165 and the second printed circuit board 175 have the samefootprint and stack on top of one another. In another embodiment,printed circuit board for the control of the light emitting diodes 175is attached to the underside of hinged lid 130, which has a double hingearrangement to enable it to fully open and lay flat on the rear sectionof the top cover, giving full access to the treatment area.

In yet another embodiment, the hinged cover for the treatment area isinterlocked with a micro-switch which prevents the device from operatingwhile the cover is open. Apart from the possibility of UV exposure, theemission from the NIR light emitting diodes 175 is outside the visiblespectrum, but the lens of the eye will still transmit and focus thiswavelength onto the retina which could cause damage. As this is outsidethe response of the eye, there is no response of the iris to theintensity of the light output and thus there is no blink response, hencethe need to prevent operation in this state.

FIG. 5 shows a representation of the present invention while in use. Thelight emitting diodes 175 and the posts 115 are emitting light at leastone predetermined wavelength. These light emitting diodes 175 and posts115 are capable of emitting light with a wavelength from about 350 nm toabout 1000 nm. In a preferred embodiment, the light emitting diodes 175and posts 115 emit light at about 383 nm, about 870 nm, and about 930nm. Different light emitting diodes within the plurality of lightemitting diodes 175 can be optimized to emit light at differentwavelengths. The posts 115 are capable of being adjusted to properlyhold and contain a user's digits 185. Note that, it is predicted thatthe posts 115 will provide more complete exposure of the treatment areawhich will result in a quicker, more robust treatment of onychomycosis.In a preferred embodiment, the light emitting diodes 175 are boththrough-hole style with a diameter of 5 mm. In another preferredembodiment, the posts 115 are comprised of a cylinder 8 mm in diameter.Thus, if a 2 mm diameter stainless steel pin is used in the base of thepost 115, the pitted grid 120 can be used to position the posts 115 andhold them upright. This arrangement would provide for completeillumination of the toenails and inter-digital spaces of the user.

FIG. 6 illustrates the steps of one of the embodiments of the method ofusing the claimed apparatus. This method begins with step 1100, wherethe user places at least one of their digits into the apparatus of theclaimed invention.

In step 1200, the device is powered on. Step 1300 comprises a questionwith potentially divergent results.

Step 1300 considers if the apparatus of the claimed invention contains amemory and a processor. If so, the apparatus of the claimed inventionwill begin to execute the contents of its memory and proceed to step1400. If not, this embodiment of the disclosed method requires the userto manually control the light emitting diodes and the posts to complywith a prescribed treatment program.

In step 1400, the light emitting diodes and the posts illuminate theillumination chamber at least with light having wavelengths of about 383nm, 870 nm, and 930 nm.

In step 1500, the processor checks the memory to see if the prescribedtreatment program mandates irradiating the user's digits withultraviolet light. In a preferred embodiment, this light has awavelength of about 383 nm. If the prescribed treatment program doescall for irradiating the user's digit, step 1550 will be executed andthe digit will be irradiated.

If the prescribed program does not call for ultraviolet light, themethod will proceed to step 1600. There, the method checks the memory todetermine if the treatment cycle needs to be repeated. If so, the lightemitting diodes and the posts will turn off for a predetermined amountof time in step 1650, and then proceed back to step 1400. If thetreatment cycle is not to be repeated, the embodiment progresses to step1700.

In step 1700 the user's digits will be removed from the illuminationchamber, and then the method determines whether a cleaning cycle shouldbe initiated. If so the embodiment proceeds to step 1750 and a cleaningcycle is started. If not, the method proceeds to step 1800 and thedevice is powered off. In one embodiment of the method, a treatmentcycle will last for fifteen minutes.

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show an embodiment of the apparatus speciallyoptimized to sterilize a user's shoe by removing any fungi from saiduser's shoe. It is important to note that the mechanism of lightemitting diodes 175 is the same here as it is in earlier mentionedembodiments of apparatus of the claimed invention. An importantdifference is that in the sterilization device 200, instead of the lightemitting diodes 175 being in a static array, the light emitting diodes175 are located on the fingers 215 of the embodiment that extend fromspine 190. In another preferred embodiment, each finger 215 consists ofa printed circuit board potted in resin with a 90° torsion spring aboutthe pivot point with spine 190 to give a resting position perpendicularto the central spine. This mechanism allows the fingers to extent to theouter limits of the shoe, as depicted in FIG. 8.

In each finger there are six (3 pairs) NIR light emitting diodes 175facing both upwards and downwards and between each pair, there is one UVlight emitting diode 175 centrally mounted. The upper and lower lightemitting diodes will need to be staggered to enable them to be mountedto the printable circuit board. In order to accommodate the shape of atypical shoe, there are preferably at least three different length offingers 215, mirrored on either side of the central spine 190. With thefront, or foot portion 225, of the shoe irradiated in this way, the heelportion 220 of the shoe will also require exposure.

In FIG. 7, there are fingers 215 located in a heel portion 220 of thesterilization device 200. The two configurations shown demonstrate themanner in which the fingers 215 may be arranged in order to provideadequate lighting coverage to the article of footwear. The twoconfigurations are intended to be illustrative of possibleconfigurations and those skilled in the art will recognize manyvariations of the placement of the fingers 215 exist.

There may be multiple fingers 215 employing a torsion spring about apivot point to “fan out” over the heel portion 220. Additionally, thefingers 215 may be directed from both the heel portion 220 and the footportion 225 towards the heel portion 220 thereby providing lightedcoverage for the heel portion 220. The fingers 215, as shown in FIG. 8,can be arranged to provide complete coverage for an article of footwear,or may only be present on the foot portion 225. If present only on thefoot portion 225 the sterilization device may further employ a lightedheel cup (see FIG. 9). However, the heel cup as described may be used inconjunction with the fingers 215 on the heel portion 220 as well.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is the heel cup element of a particularembodiment of the device intended to clean and sterilize the heelportion of a user's shoe. As with the fingers 215 (see FIG. 8), aprintable circuit board potted in resin is contained in a heel cup likestructure. This printable circuit board is mounted on a spring loadedshaft to hold it against the rear of the shoe.

FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show the operation of the central shaft 195. Thiscentral shaft 195 provides two functions: the adjustment of the fingers,and the support and positioning of the heel plate. In one embodiment, inorder to accommodate the movement required to bring the fingers closeinto the spine 190, the central shaft 195 needs to move forward byapproximately 5 mm.

For the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the fingers are mountedbetween two thin steel plates. The lower of the two is slightly extendedat the front end to provide a front stop for the device. Two verticalplates, front and rear set the height of the device and allow for theposition of the central shaft 195. The upper plate has a 90° bend to actas a holding point when the device is compressed for removal. It willrequire preferably two compression springs in order to accommodate theadjustment required. A spacer and spring guide butts up against the rearvertical plate and a snap ring on the rear of the central shaft 195prevents the heel plate from becoming detached under the springpressure. The heel plate 210 can slide forward on the central shaft 195and will compress the springs, which will hold the heel plate 210against the rear of the shoe. At this stage, the central shaft 195 willhave no impact on the position of the fingers 215 within the shoe, whichwill find their own position.

When the device is removed, the heel plate 210 is pushed furtherforwards and will push against a second snap ring on the central shaft195. This will push the central shaft 195 forwards and angle the fingersinto the spine 190 for ease of removal.

FIGS. 12A-C demonstrate another potential embodiment of the presentinvention. Shown is a plan view of an embodiment of the device 100having a hinged and/or removable lid 130 being supported by at least twosupport posts 270 and being coupled via a male connector 240 to acompatible female connector preferably residing on the device body. Onan underside of the lid 130 is a plurality of LEDs 175 arranged in anarray 275. The plurality of LEDs 175 are preferably consistent inoperative wavelength as previously described herein, however, otherwavelengths or combinations of wavelengths may be contemplated. Thearray 275 is bound along at least one lateral edge, preferably twoedges, by rotatable bars 250 which enable the rotation of the array 275as a whole, thus causing the LEDs to rotate in unison along a fixedpath. Further, along an underside of the lid 130 are a plurality of UVLEDs 230 embedded and/or protruding therefrom. The UV LEDs 230preferably do not form part of the array 275 and may not be present insome embodiments.

On an outer surface of the lid 130 there is a dial 220 coupled to thearray 275 via a rotatable mechanism 260. The dial 220 is configured tofreely rotate between at least three different positions as shown ineach of FIGS. 12A, B, and C. The dial 220, when rotated, causes rotationof the rotatable mechanism 260 which, in turn, causes rotation of thearrangement or orientation of the array 275 as a whole.

The rotation of the array 275 provides a number of advantages. Forexample, by manipulating the dial 220 one can more closely align thearray 275 with the particular angle formed by the foot or otherappendage of the user. This enables comprehensive coverage of all digitsfor both the left and the right foot. Thus, a user may desire to treattheir left foot (see FIG. 12A) and then orient the array 275 to treattheir right foot (see FIG. 12C). Each of the orientations ensures thatall digits receive an overlapping treatment of light and does notrequire the appendage or digit to be inserted at an awkward oruncomfortable angle. In other more neutral arrangements that relatepotentially to the hands or individual digits a central or neutralposition may be desired (see FIG. 12B). If one were to not have theflexibility to orient the array 275 to fit their appendages angle, thenthe appendage itself must be oriented at potentially uncomfortableangles and may be further constrained by the construction of the deviceitself.

Referring now to FIGS. 13A-D there are varying views of an embodiment ofthe present invention. The views show the device 100 from the top (FIG.13A), the front (FIG. 13C), the side (FIG. 13D), and the back (FIG.13B).

In FIG. 13A, there is a top view of the device. The top of the devicehas a dial 260 that enables rotation of the light array 275 contained onan underside of the lid 130. The lid 130 is supported by the remainingdevice structure, as well as the support posts 170. The support posts170 have a coupling mechanism 345 such as a high strength (ex.Neodymium) magnet to secure the position of the lid 130 while the deviceis in use.

The light array 275 is rotatably coupled to the lid 130. The dial 260enables the light array to be directed to conform to an orientationdesired by the user. The array 275 is flanked by a plurality of UV LEDs230 which are embedded or protrude from the underside of the lidsurface. The light array 275, in contrast, has lights that emitwavelengths consist with those previously described herein. In someinstances, as further described below, the lid 130 may be removed toallow for a differing array with a differing set of LEDs to be coupledto the device body.

As seen from the front, the support posts 170 define an “open concept”that allows a digit(s) or appendage to be freely inserted into thedigit/appendage receiving area 145. This non-restrictive opening allowsthe user to adjust the orientation of their digit/appendage while alsoproviding for adequate airflow to help dissipate any residual heatgenerated by the LEDs. Further, the open concept is shown from the sidein FIG. 13D. Thus, the digit receiving area 145 is substantially open,albeit for the support posts 170, along three sides of the device. Theremaining closed side is preferably the back side of the device.

Also shown in FIG. 13D, are the status LEDs 155. There may be any numberof operational statuses as described herein or otherwise contained underthe purview of the present invention. For example, the status LEDs shownin FIG. 13D correspond to a “run” cycle, a “clean” cycle, a “timed”cycle, and a “frequency” cycle. The cycles or settings shown on thedevice in use may be the same or different as reflected herein in thedrawings.

The backside of the device may contain a power input 125 as well as apower out 127. The power input 125 allows for connection of the powersource 110 (see FIG. 2). The power out 127 may provide for a USB orother appropriate connection to supply electrical power to the digitalspacing mechanism 360 as shown in FIGS. 15A-B.

In FIG. 14, the lid 130, as described in FIG. 13A, may be detachable.The purpose of such a detachable lid 130 may provide for furthercleaning of the device as well as provide for the changing and/orreplacement of parts. For example, the lid 130 as shown is coupled tothe female connector 265 which may be a Molex or other suitable style ofconnection. The male connector 240 fits within and is received by thefemale connector 265. As the male/female connectors are guided intoplace, the securement pins 280 are also secured to the device body.

The securement pins 280 provide rigidity to the lid 130 during use andprevent the lid 130 from being torqued in any one direction therebypreventing harm to the lid 130 or the connectors during use, storage,transport, and the like. The securement mechanisms 280 may be stainlesssteel or other metal, plastic, rubber, and the like dowels that areconfigured to fit into a receptacle 285. Each securement mechanism 280is designed to fit into one receptacle 285 and in some embodimentsmultiple securement mechanisms may reside within a single receptacle.

In practice, the lid 130 may be removed in order to enable the array 275to be changed for a different, yet similar array 275. For example, inorder to offer treatments for different skin types it may beadvantageous to have the device 100 have such a customization feature.Darker skin tones, having a higher concentration of melanin than lighterskin tones, will cause an increase in light absorption therebydetrimentally affecting the degree of penetration of the appliedtreatment. By changing out the lid 130 and subsequently the array 275for another more suitable array 275 and associated wavelengths of light,it would enable proper treatment without the need for changingindividual LEDs.

Referring now to FIGS. 15A-B, there is a digit spacing mechanism 360capable of being used with embodiments of the present inventiondescribed herein. In some instances, the digit spacing mechanism 360 maybe used without the need for the device 100 itself. The digit spacingmechanism 360 generally has a first surface 310, a second surface 320,at least two spacers 330 with LEDs 175 contained within the spacers 330.Further, a power in cable 350 and wiring 340 enable electroniccommunication between the device and the LEDs 175.

The digit spacing mechanism 360 may be comprised of any number ofmaterials including but not limited to plastics, rubbers, foams, andsilicone or any combination thereof. The first surface 310, secondsurface 320, and spacers 330 may each be comprised of the same or adifferent material. In order to permit the correct transmission of lightduring treatment (treatment to be delivered into the space between thedigits) it is important that the material selected exhibits good opticalclarity that enables transmission of light in all visible wavelengthsand extending towards at least 500 nm on either side of the visiblespectrum.

Preferably the first surface 310 and second surface 320 are positionedgenerally in a parallel fashion with regard to one another. The spacers330 a preferably positioned therebetween and being coupled to each ofthe first surface 310 and the second surface 320. There is aninterstitial space 390 between each of the spacers 330. Preferably, atleast one and more preferably at least two LEDs 175 are disposed withineach of the spacers 330. When two LEDs 175 are used, the LEDs emit lightat about 870 nm and about 940 nm, respectively.

The LEDs 175 are coupled via wiring 340 in a series connection with thewiring 340 embedded in preferably either the first surface 310 or thesecond surface 320. Further, the electrical power for operation of thedigital spacing mechanism 360 is supplied via a power in cable 350. Thepower in cable 350 may be coupled to the device or the power source 110(see FIG. 2).

The digit spacing mechanism 360 is intended to be ambidextrous in that auser may only need one of the mechanisms rather than two. In use, thedigit spacing mechanism 360 can be fitted along, for example, a rightfoot, a left foot, a left hand, or a right hand. If used for one side(i.e. left side) to be used for the corresponding appendage on the rightside of the body the mechanism must simply be inverted. Thus, the firstsurface 310 would reside on the bottom and the second surface 320 resideon the top when compared to the view shown in FIG. 15A. Further, themechanism can be placed on the appendage before it is placed into thedevice for treatment.

Although this invention has been described with a certain degree ofparticularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure hasbeen made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in thedetails of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted towithout departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A non-thermal treatment method for nail and skinfungus prevention comprising: (a) placing at least one digit inside achamber, wherein said chamber has an inner surface, outer surface, adigit spacing mechanism, and a digit-receiving area, wherein saidchamber has at least two light emitting diodes, wherein at least one ofthe at least two light emitting diodes is capable of generating lightwith a wavelength of 383 nm and at least one light emitting diode isconfigured to generate light with a wavelength from 870 nm to 930 nm,with each of said at least two light emitting diodes being affixed tothe inner surface of said chamber, wherein the digit spacing mechanismcomprises a first surface, a second surface, and at least two spacershaving at least one light source embedded in each of the at least twospacers, wherein a distance between the two spacers defines an opening,and wherein said digit-receiving area has a top and bottom surface; (b)placing at least one digit through the opening in the digit spacingmechanism; (c) powering at least one of the at least two light emittingdiodes to generate light at wavelengths from 870 nm to 930 nm andfurther causes the at least one light source of the digit spacingmechanism to emit light; and (d) allowing the digit to remain in thechamber for a first predetermined amount of time.
 2. The method of claim1, further comprising step (e), wherein a cleaning cycle is initiatedafter step (d), wherein said cleaning cycle consists of illuminating thechamber with light at a wavelength of 383 nm for a second predeterminedamount of time.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the device contains aprocessor and a memory, the processor and the memory being configured toinitiate and end at least one prescribed treatment cycle.
 4. The methodof claim 1, further comprising step of turning on the at least one lightemitting diode configured to produce a wavelength of 383 nm for aportion of said first predetermined amount of time.
 5. The method ofclaim 1 wherein at least one of the at least two light emitting diodeshas a viewing angle of ±10°.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the atleast two light emitting diodes have a pulse width equal to or less than100 μs.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least two light emittingdiodes are coupled to a hinged lid forming the upper surface of thechamber, the hinged lid being configured to prevent light from beingemitted by the at least two light emitting diodes when rotated to faceaway from the chamber.
 8. The method of claim 6 wherein a peak currentof 1.0 A is maintained for the pulse width.